PITTSBURGH, Jan. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pittsburgh Promise announced today that Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, has made a $1 million commitment to The Pittsburgh Promise Scholarship Fund. This significant corporate gift also creates a designated scholarship fund called the Thermo Fisher Scientific Scholars of The Pittsburgh Promise. Each year, this special fund will support five high performing student scholars with whom Thermo Fisher will develop and maintain a relationship while students are completing their STEM-related (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education in pursuit of a career in the science discipline upon graduation.

Thermo Fisher is now among six corporations that have committed $1 million or more to The Promise's Executive Scholars program. This program features personalized student development that begins in high school and continues through a student's college years until graduation. The Executive Scholars program provides students with the opportunity to build professional networks in the Pittsburgh region during their college years.

Criteria for being selected as a Thermo Fisher Scientific Scholar of The Pittsburgh Promise includes: academic performance (3.5 GPA and above), advanced placement achievement in STEM fields, commitment to volunteer service, demonstrated leadership skills, and a reference from the high school principal.

"Supporting science education from high school, through college and on to a career is a priority for our country, our education system and our company," said Marc N. Casper, President and Chief Executive Officer of Thermo Fisher Scientific. "We are pleased to support The Pittsburgh Promise's mission of promoting educational achievement and providing opportunities for hardworking students to pursue their dreams."

"Thermo Fisher's significant investment in The Promise is part of a growing movement among companies that are interested in mentoring students and helping them to achieve their dreams," said Pittsburgh Promise Executive Director Saleem Ghubril. "With a substantial presence in the Pittsburgh area, Massachusetts headquartered Thermo Fisher has made a very special gift to our community. In addition to their financial support, the company will enhance student experiences by providing mentors to our high schools who will create a connection to the real world of science for students. We are deeply thankful for the vision and leadership expressed by Thermo Fisher's commitment," added Ghubril.

About Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO) is the world leader in serving science. Our mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. With revenues of $12 billion, we have approximately 39,000 employees and serve customers within pharmaceutical and biotech companies, hospitals and clinical diagnostic labs, universities, research institutions and government agencies, as well as in environmental and process control industries. We create value for our key stakeholders through three premier brands, Thermo Scientific, Fisher Scientific and Unity™ Lab Services, which offer a unique combination of innovative technologies, convenient purchasing options and a single solution for laboratory operations management. Our products and services help our customers solve complex analytical challenges, improve patient diagnostics and increase laboratory productivity. Visit www.thermofisher.com.

About The Pittsburgh Promise

The Pittsburgh Promise, a scholarship program for Pittsburgh Public School students, advocates for improving the quality of education and increasing the preparedness and diversity of the region's workforce. During the past four years, the community has invested approximately $30 million in Pittsburgh Promise scholarship funds in support of 3,800 high school graduates who enrolled in 91 different post-secondary public and private colleges and universities, career training schools, and vocational and trade programs in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh has the largest Promise program in the United States. To donate or for more information about The Pittsburgh Promise, visit www.pittsburghpromise.org